Resource Library
Find compelling classroom resources, learn new teaching methods, meet standards, and make a difference in the lives of your students.
We are grateful to The Hammer Family Foundation for supporting the development of our on-demand learning and teaching resources.
![A group of high school students sit at desks in conversation.](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_480/public/2023-10/AdobeStock_254378868.jpg?itok=f6YAphey)
Introducing Our US History Curriculum Collection
Draw from this flexible curriculum collection as you plan any middle or high school US history course. Featuring units, C3-style inquiries, and case studies, the collection will help you explore themes of democracy and freedom with your students throughout the year.
Barometer: Taking a Stand on Controversial Issues
Structure an active class discussion in which students express their opinions by standing along a continuum.
![Students discussing in pairs facing each other](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Memphis_Classroom_2015_FH221010.jpg?h=10d202d3&itok=bm1hqy9J)
Concentric Circles
This kinesthetic discussion activity invites students to be active listeners and speakers and to interact with a wide range of classmates.
![Two students talking in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Canada_Classroom_2013_%20FH156999.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=QakDgVIE)
Four Corners
Get all students involved by asking them to show their stance on a statement through their positioning around the room.
![A students talks with other students in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/LosAngeles_Classroom_2018_FH287164.jpg?h=a7f0580e&itok=J8auOvoo)
Café Conversations
Students practice perspective-taking by representing the point of view of an assigned personality in a small-group discussion.
![Five students sit around a table in discussion](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Chicago_Classroom_2019_%20FH2101461.jpg?h=0f4230fa&itok=UwjT0kqz)
Fishbowl
Use the Fishbowl discussion strategy to help students practice being contributors and listeners in a group conversation.
Give One, Get One
Students seek out and share ideas and information with classmates through this cooperative learning strategy.
![Students in two lines facing and talking to each other.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Memphis_Classroom_2015_FH221012.jpg?h=10d202d3&itok=7muXHc1M)
Learn to Listen, Listen to Learn
Educators will structure a discussion that uses journaling and group work to strengthen students’ listening skills.
![Three students sitting in a classroom with one of the students talking.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/SanFrancisco_Classroom_2017_%20FH152786.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=amPaill9)
Life Road Maps
Educators will enrich students’ understanding of a historical or literary figure by having students draw the figure’s life journey.
![Student example of an identity chart with a drawing of a person and notes and quotations around it](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Memphis_Classroom_2016_FH212832.jpg?h=a5eb5da0&itok=2tvubA7u)
Save the Last Word for Me
This discussion strategy helps students practice being both active speakers and active listeners in a group conversation.
![Four students sitting at a table with one student talking and gesturing.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/SanFrancisco_Classroom_2017_FH152755.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=KNLRAWk3)
Socratic Seminar
A Socratic Seminar invites students to facilitate a discussion in order to work together toward a shared understanding of a text.
![Two students sitting in a classroom with one student talking and gesturing](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Chicago_Classroom_2018_%20FH151349.jpg?h=c3635fa2&itok=DKqBQANg)
SPAR (Spontaneous Argumentation)
Use this debate-style activity to strengthen students’ ability to use evidence and examples to defend their positions.
![Two students sitting in a classroom with one student talking](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/NewEngland_Classroom_2017_FH256621.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=Dyb7d21_)